If you’re a maker, small business owner, or hobbyist working with Easel-powered CNC routers, you know how frustrating it can be when you’re mid-project, ready to add that perfect detail, and you can’t figure out the exact steps to do it right. As an Easel supplier who’s walked this walk (I’ve spent more evenings troubleshooting Easel projects in my garage than I care to admit), I’ve seen tons of folks get stuck on adding elements to their designs—whether it’s a custom logo, a decorative shape, or a functional slot. This post is built on real, hands-on tips I’ve picked up from working with hundreds of clients, so you can skip the trial and error and get straight to creating what you need. Easel
First, let’s start with the basics because I’ve noticed so many new users skip this and run into headaches later: you need to make sure your Easel account is set up correctly, and you’re accessing it through the correct channel. Easel works both as a web-based tool (for desktop) and a mobile app, but for adding elements, I always recommend using a desktop browser. The toolset is more robust there, and you won’t run into glitches with shape alignment or import tools that are common on small phone screens. If you haven’t already, log into your Easel account, pull up your existing project, and make sure you’re working from the “Design” tab (this is where all the element magic happens—no need to mess with the “Toolpath” tab until you’re ready to cut).
Now, let’s break down the most common ways to add elements, starting with the simplest: drawing a shape directly in Easel. This is my go-to for quick, custom details, like a scalloped edge or a small decorative dot pattern. On the left-hand toolbar of the Design tab, you’ll see a set of shape tools: there’s a rectangle, circle, ellipse, polygon, and a freehand draw tool. Let’s say you want to add a circle for a cabinet knob on a cabinet front project. First, click the circle tool—you’ll see your cursor turn into a little crosshair. Click anywhere on your project’s work area (that light gray grid is your work piece) and drag. If you hold down the Shift key while dragging, it’ll keep the circle perfectly round, which is crucial for knobs or holes that need to be consistent. Once you let go, you’ll see the circle has tiny blue handles around it—you can drag those to resize it, or click and drag the center to move it into place. I always use the alignment tools (they look like four small squares at the top of the screen) to center shapes, especially if I’m adding multiple identical elements, like a row of knobs. That way, I don’t have to guess and end up with lopsided pieces.
Next up: importing a custom element. This is for when you have something you designed in another program, like a logo in Adobe Illustrator, or a shape you found online that you want to adapt. A lot of users struggle here because they try to import the wrong file types. Easel works best with SVG files—these are vector files, which means they’re scalable without getting blurry, so they’re perfect for CNC work. If you have a JPG or PNG, you’ll need to convert it to an SVG first, but I recommend using a free tool like Inkscape for that (I’ll link to that resource in the references later). To import, just click the “Import” button in the left toolbar, select your SVG file, and it will pop onto your work area. Once it’s imported, you can resize, rotate, or move it just like any Easel-drawn shape. Pro tip: if your imported shape has gaps or weird lines, use the “Weld” tool (right-click on the shape, then select “Weld”) to combine it into one solid element. I learned that trick the hard way when I imported a company logo that had separate letters and ended up cutting them as individual pieces—total disaster for a client’s custom sign.
Another super useful way to add elements is copying and pasting existing parts of your project. Let’s say you’re making a set of coasters and you already designed one with a corner detail—you don’t have to redraw it three more times. Just select the element, right-click, and choose “Copy,” then right-click again and choose “Paste.” A new copy will appear, and you can drag it into place. If you want multiple copies evenly spaced, use the “Array” tool. Click on your copied element, go to the top menu, select “Array,” and you can choose how many rows and columns you want, plus the spacing between each element. This saves so much time—last month, a client ordered 50 custom wooden keychains, and using the array tool, I added the same logo to all 50 in less than five minutes, no rework needed.
Once you add an element, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your project and your CNC router. One mistake I see all the time is adding an element that’s too small or too detailed for the bit size you’re using. For example, if you’re using a 1/8 inch end mill, you can’t cut a detail smaller than 1/8 inch—your CNC can’t make cuts narrower than the bit itself, and you’ll end up with broken bits or a messed-up design. If you add a tiny element that’s too small, you can either resize it (hold Shift to keep proportions) or simplify it by removing small details in the shape editor. To edit a shape, double-click on it—you’ll see the path nodes, and you can drag those to adjust the shape, or delete extra nodes to make it smoother.
Now, let’s talk about common pitfalls I’ve helped clients fix over the years. First, if your new element is hidden or not showing up, check the layers panel (it’s on the right side of the screen). Sometimes elements get accidentally sent to the background or a layer is turned off. Just click on the eye icon next to the layer name to make it visible. Another issue: elements that are cut with the wrong toolpath. Once you add an element, you need to assign it to a tool (like a cut tool, engrave tool, or pocket tool) in the Toolpath tab. I always explain to clients that adding an element is only half the job—you have to tell Easel how to cut it, otherwise it won’t show up in your final G-code.
As an Easel supplier, my job isn’t just to sell Easel systems—it’s to make sure you can use them successfully, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker. I’ve seen so many people give up on a project because they couldn’t figure out adding a simple element, and that’s why I put this post together. If you’re working on a project, stuck on adding an element, or you’re looking to upgrade your Easel setup for larger or more complex projects, I’d love to chat. Whether you need help troubleshooting a tricky shape, advice on which bit to use for your new element, or you’re ready to stock up on supplies, our team is here to help you get the most out of Easel for your projects.
If you have any questions about adding elements, or you’re ready to discuss your next Easel-powered project, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help makers and small businesses turn their ideas into finished, high-quality pieces.
Easel References:
- Inkscape: Free vector graphics editor for converting raster images to SVG files
- Easel Official Help Center: Step-by-step guides for shape tools and element management
- CNC Router Bit Size Guide: Resource for choosing the right bit for your project details
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